Blaise Matuidi Admits Coronavirus Diagnosis Made Him 'Psychotic'
Blaise Matuidi has given an open and honest assessment of the effects of his coronavirus diagnosis, revealing that testing positive for the disease made him 'psychotic'.
The midfielder was among the first footballers to be tested positive for Covid-19, with northern Italy, where Turin is based, being one of the worst affected parts of Europe.
Having since been given the all-clear of the virus, Matuidi has revealed the frightening nature of learning the news, which occurred alongside Juventus teammates Daniele Rugani and Paulo Dybala, who both tested positive at the same time.
“Honestly, it’s tough,” he told YouTube channel Bros Stories. "When I tested positive, I couldn’t even go out shopping. It made me psychotic.
“You always try to make sure people aren’t too close, you have to be mentally strong. It’ll take time, this is a new situation for all of us. I had no symptoms but, as soon as I heard the news, I was in shock. I was in total panic, I feared for my family and friends.
“It was difficult for them, but I was able to reassure them. It’s not a good time, we really want this to end as soon as possible. I ask myself what will happen to football and everyday life.”
Despite the harrowing nature of Covid-19, Serie A clubs recently agreed to play out the remainder of the 2019/20 season after a unanimous agreement. In other parts of Europe, leagues have been cancelled entirely in differing capacities, however, Italy has decided they will see out the season.
Matuidi's Juventus currently sit top of the table by a single point, with all the sides in the league left with either 12 or 13 matches left to play. The Frenchman has played in 23 of his side's 26 matches thus far, notching two assists for Maurizio Sarri's men.
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